NW Kid Chaser

For those who know me, I realize this sounds strange. It's a little-bit like a vegetarian hosting a pig roast. But I'm a mother and mothers do crazy things for their children. So... I'm currently preparing for kick off.

My youngest boy has a passion for football. I'm not sure where it started, but it inspires him to run, and catch, and watch TV, and read anything remotely related to the sport. Of course, it's this last part that won me over.

This will be a Super Bowl/Family Party to celebrate my son's recent birthday. We'll have family, the football game, lots of food, AND games. I figure you have to have games at a party. Right? (Again... I'm a bit out of my range here, but I'm trying to go with it. Super Bowl experts: send me encouragement!)

As part of the preparation, this week my son and I sat together at the computer and came up with two games. I'm actually looking forward to Sunday. I know he'll be watching the game and I'll be watching him, but we'll both be cheering!

Here are the free game print-outs if your crew wants to play too:

#1 - Super Bowl PredictionsBefore the game begins, each guest will record their game predictions (Which team will score first? Who will be ahead at half-time? Which team will win?) The individual with the most correct predictions at the end of the game wins a prize!

Grandma has created a treasure hunt tradition for my children's birthdays. Whenever the big day nears, we arrive at Grandma and Grandpa's house to find a treasure hunt of birthday gifts awaiting us. Often, the entire family will scavenge the house together to discover the booty. While the birthday gifts are a delight - my boys are just as thrilled by the hunt.

Here's the book Grandma uses to organize the fun. Published by Klutz, the book is out of print now, but still available through Amazon.

This Klutz book provides a variety of clue "sets" that can be used to set-up a treasure hunt around the house. The clues come in a variety of patterns, sometimes rhyming, sometimes in code, sometimes following a theme. Luckily, each clue card can be saved and used again and again (perfect for a Grandma with a gaggle of grandchildren). Our most recent set of clues included a series of codes. Each sentence led the birthday boy (and his adoring audience) to another room of the house -- where he collected his gifts.

dniF eht txen eulc no a rorrim. (That's: Find the next clue on a mirror.)

Another clue (& a small treasure) hidden in the bath tub.

Hooray for birthdays!Hooray for scavenger hunts!!Hooray for family traditions!!

I’ve been called many things over the years, so I try not to take offense when folks slip and call it like they see it. I accept myself and am grateful for a husband that does the same....Dropping my sons off at the third day of a summer day-camp last month, the teacher glanced at both boys and then said to me, “So, it’s a green day today. You’re type A, huh?”

She was commenting on the fact that the boys had been dressed similar each day of the camp. At first glance such actions must appear controlling (or even worse: fashionable), but the truth is I’m all about safety. I mean ALL about safety.

So… that includes:

1) Dressing the boys alike when we go to large events such as the State Fair, airports, amusement parks, soccer camp, etc. This simple act serves two purposes. First, it allows me to scan an open play area and spot my boys easily - I’m looking for just one color. Second, if I ever lose one I have an instant visual for those searching – “He looks like this!” I can say pointing to the one who hasn’t wandered away.

2) Before entering a large gathering/event (Disney World), I take a quick picture of each child with my camera or phone. In the worse-case scenario, I have an up-to-date picture to offer the authorities.

3) Each year before school starts I complete a Child ID Kit. These free kits are available through the state police department. Included in the kits are a place for a picture, fingerprints, dental records, physical information, and a DNA sample of each child. The kits are easy to fill out at home and to keep on file – just in case. They say that the first hours a child is missing are vital and having this information available is invaluable for law enforcement. I know that I cannot control what happens to my family in the future – but I want to know I am doing all I can. So…. I’ll continue to match T-shirts (as long as the let me) and pray I never have a use for the kits on file.

It’s LEGO Central around here as usual. This summer my nine year-old has been using the Lego robotic set, passed to him by his older cousin, to make this fine creation:

We’re also in the first stages of creating a LEGO robotics team – and would love words of advice from anyone who has experience with the FIRST LEGO League.

This Sunday ABC is airing the 'i.am first: Science is Rock and Roll' special to highlight the importance of science education. Although I'm not a fan of 'My Robot is Better Than Your Robot' (the phrase seems to lack the Gracious Professionalism I hope to see in youth), I do appreciate willi.i.am's observation that although very few students grow up to play in the NBA every school has a gym. I'd like to see our student scholars embraced and encouraged just as our high school athletes are currently.

We recently finished off our Summer Neighborhood Camp with a family potluck. Besides great food and company, we also enjoyed a variety of “Minute to Win It” games. The kids had played several “Minute to Win It” games during the week and presented their favorites to the adults after dinner. Havoc, mayhem, and uncontrollable laughter ensued!

In order to protect the innocent (including me looking like a complete fool), there are no pictures to post. However, here are videos of the races we tried. Are you up for the challenge?